Pellet spill a threat in local waters
“AN ECOLOGICAL disaster and an environmental emergency” is how conservation and environmental organisations describe millions of plastic pellets washing up on KwaZulu-Natal beaches over the past two weeks.
The rapid spread of the pellets, known as “nurdles”‚ is creating further concern – they have made their way as far south as the Eastern Cape‚ and to Richards Bay in the north.
Joan Porter‚ director of education at uShaka Seaworld‚ said: “We know they have reached Mbotyi in Eastern Cape. They have reached Richards Bay‚ and we are predicting they will go further north.” It is believed that a container of nurdles fell off a ship during the KZN storm of October 10‚ and the issue has been referred to the Department of Environmental Affairs.
“It is not merely a provincial problem. It is now of national concern. Currently the nurdles are floating on the tide. They look just like food and are being eaten by birds‚ fish and turtles. These animals will face digestive obst said Porter.
“In the long-term‚ the effect will be far more shocking. If these plastic pellets stay in the sea‚ they will break down into even smaller bits‚ and absorb toxins.
“These will be ingested by even more marine creatures‚ many of which end up on our plates.”
The public are asked to help collect washed up nurdles.
“They are small‚ so they need to be strained. We suggest shadecloth or a sieve.”
● Join a collective effort Sunday from 7-10am. — DDC on